Free cooling with fresh water for high-efficiency data centers
Maximize energy savings, eliminate refrigerants, and boost cooling efficiency by up to 30%, without consuming a single drop of water.
When sustainability and cost savings converge, the right cooling equipment makes it possible for data centers to:
- Boost efficiency by up to 30%
- Cut operational expenses
- Reduce reliance on refrigerants
- Lower PUE
- Meet emissions targets
Let nature do the cooling
Free cooling with water leverages naturally available sources such as rivers, lakes, seas, and geothermal wells to reduce energy demand in data center cooling systems. Cold water from these sources is circulated through a heat exchanger, where it absorbs heat from the data centre’s closed-loop cooling circuit without mixing with it. After transferring the heat, the water is returned to its original source with only a minimal temperature increase, ensuring responsible thermal discharge and preserving environmental integrity.
Cooling with a chiller or chiller bypass
Data centers located near a natural resource can, if required, pair this cooling method with mechanical chillers or bypass them entirely, depending on system design and local conditions.
Cooling with a chiller
Naturally cold water enters the heat exchanger and reduces the load on the chiller.
- Cuts energy use by easing chiller demand
- Maintains reliable cooling in variable climates
- Extends equipment life by reducing thermal stress
Cooling with a chiller bypass
When natural water is cold enough, it bypasses the chiller and is circulated through a heat exchanger where it absorbs heat.
- Allows complete chiller shutdown during favorable conditions
- Maximizes energy savings
- Minimal reliance on mechanical support
Rewriting the rules of cooling with a hybrid seawater approach
Explore how Portugal’s Start Campus is redefining efficiency. The 1.2 GW sustainable data center leverages seawater cooling and a hybrid twice-through water system to achieve ultra-low PUE and more than 50,000 tons in annual CO₂ savings, showing how smart cooling can go beyond efficiency to drive real transformation.
Well-engineered systems start here
Natural water systems bring unique challenges, from water quality and environmental impact to infrastructure and regulatory compliance. Alfa Laval is here to help you navigate them all.
By engaging with us early, you’ll gain a partner with the know-how to help you plan your optimal cooling strategy from the start. Together, we’ll design a robust solution that will yield incredible energy-savings for data centers to grow on today and in the future.